Wielding a giant pair of scissors is one skill Aeron Arlin Genet now has firsthand experience with. One of her recent duties as the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) executive director was cutting the ribbon at an open house event to celebrate the agency’s new Santa Maria office. “The scissors were a […]
Category Feature
Posted inOpinion
Testy and zesty
Things got a little testy at a recent Guadalupe City Council meeting. Any guesses as to the topic du jour? Ding, ding, ding! Yes. It was the Royal Theater renovation project—you know the one, with grant issues, cost issues, redesign controversy, and the failed potential ballot initiative idea. Residents have complained multiple times about the […]
Posted inOpinion
National chaos has become a local crisis
For years, I’ve devoted my time to local issues. I’ve done so not because I’m apathetic to national politics, but because I’ve believed—and still believe—that our most direct influence lies in our own backyard. While the media machine churns 24/7 content about Congress, cable news spats, and whoever President Trump is threatening this week, I’ve […]
Posted inOpinion
Richards Ranch development will bring much-needed housing and opportunities to Orcutt
As a lifelong resident of Orcutt, I’ve watched this community grow and change over the years—but some things haven’t changed at all. One of those is the empty Richards Ranch property, which has sat vacant for more than 40 years, growing weeds instead of providing homes and opportunities for local families. I knew the original […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hellbound Bastards author Chris McGuinness shares layers of writing journey
Grab a copy Santa Maria writer Chris McGuinness’ first book, Hellbound Bastards—a vintage cosmic Western horror with classic roots—is available at amazon.com. As a preteen, Chris McGuinness began his journey down the horror path after receiving a copy of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot for Christmas. “That was the first adult horror book I ever read,” […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Friend examines loss, pet bonding, and the creative life
The Friend What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre in San Luis Obispo Co-writers-directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel adopt Sigrid Nunez’ 2018 National Book Award-winning novel, The Friend, for the big screen. After the death of her friend and mentor, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Simple Cafe creates uncomplicated deliciousness for breakfast and lunch
Keeping it simple With locations at 3546 Skyway Drive and 1414 Miller St., Simple Cafe provides a variety of sandwiches and baked goods across Santa Maria. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inquiries can be directed to (820) 946-4526 or […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summer Guide 2025
There are parades, and then there are Fourth of July parades. Lucky for you, we feature both and more in our annual Summer Guide. You can find events for feasting, drinking, holidays, art, artisans, and whiling away the summer days. You can find things for your kids to do while you’re at work or things […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: May 15, 2025
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently announced the five regional winners of this year’s Congressional Women of the Year Award in the 24th Congressional District. “The 2025 Women of the Year winners represent the very best of our region—leaders, educators, advocates, and public servants who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and driving […]
Posted inNews
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash opens museum and cultural center
Come on in The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is located at 3500 Numancia St. and open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for teenagers, seniors 65 and older, and active duty military members with identification; and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. […]
Posted inOpinion
Shady baby
Richards Ranch sure has a bee in its bonnet about 4th District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson. For the third meeting in a row, the development’s attorney, Beth Collins, has accused the county and Nelson of doing shady things in processing the two concurrent applications for the same project—one that aims to annex 58 […]
Posted inOpinion
Politicians must realize wind and solar power are not totally reliable
For decades California politicians, mostly Democrats and environmental activists—these days you really can’t tell them apart—have been hell-bent on eliminating fossil fuel as a source of energy. Their claims have been that natural power from the wind and sun was the way to go; isn’t there plenty of each in a state the size of […]
